
Surabaya City Tour – Make your own Surabaya!!
Okay, I’ve combined and translated all the previous content into English, creating a comprehensive and engaging overview of Surabaya.
Discover Surabaya: The City of Heroes Awaits You!
Ready to explore Surabaya, Indonesia’s vibrant second-largest city and the dynamic capital of East Java? Often called the “City of Heroes,” Surabaya is a captivating blend of historical significance, modern progress, and urban charm. It’s a city that truly represents Indonesia’s journey, from its hard-won independence to its rapid development.
Unveiling Surabaya: The City of Heroes and Its People
Surabaya, the “City of Heroes,” is more than just a historical and modern hub in East Java; it’s a dynamic reflection of Indonesian urban life. Beyond being a tourist destination, Surabaya is a canvas where the habits and culture of its people are intricately woven, forming a unique and unforgettable city identity.
The “Arek Suroboyo” Spirit: Unyielding Resolve
When you interact with Surabaya residents, you’ll immediately sense the “spirit of Arek Suroboyo.” This phrase refers to the distinctive characteristics of native Surabaya people: straightforward, direct, brave, and possessing a strong fighting spirit. The city’s heroic history, especially the Battle of November 10, 1945, profoundly shaped this character. Surabaya people are known for not being afraid to voice their opinions and for their tenacity in facing challenges. They are hardworking individuals who highly value togetherness and solidarity, especially in times of difficulty.
Culinary Delights: Surabaya’s Social Heart and Identity
One of the most prominent and inseparable habits of Surabaya‘s society is its culinary culture. Food is not just a basic necessity; it’s also a social medium, a celebration, and an expression of identity. Surabaya is a paradise for food lovers, with rich and varied traditional dishes.
Some iconic foods you must try, often part of locals’ daily routines, include:
- Rujak Cingur: A unique blend of fruits, vegetables, lontong (rice cake), fried tofu, tempeh, and “cingur” (cow’s snout), all drenched in a sweet and spicy shrimp paste sauce. This is an iconic Surabaya dish that reflects its bold and innovative flavors.
- Sate Klopo: Meat skewers (usually beef or chicken) seasoned with grilled shredded coconut, giving them a distinctive aroma and texture. It’s very popular for breakfast or a light lunch.
- Lontong Balap: Lontong served with bean sprouts, fried tofu, lentho (fried cassava or cowpea fritters), all topped with a fresh broth and a touch of shrimp paste. A very popular fast food dish.
- Rawon: A dark, rich beef soup, colored by the kluwek nut, served with short bean sprouts, salted egg, and crackers. Surabaya’s Rawon is known for its deep, complex flavors.
- Tahu Tek: Fried tofu and lontong, chopped and mixed with potatoes, bean sprouts, then drizzled with a thick peanut-shrimp paste sauce. Often sold from street carts.
Surabaya residents have a habit of “blusukan” or culinary hunting in various parts of the city, from humble street stalls to legendary restaurants. Eating together is a time to gather, chat, and strengthen bonds. Don’t be surprised to see food stalls constantly bustling from morning until late at night.
Urban Dynamics and Public Spaces
As a metropolitan city, Surabaya continuously improves and provides representative public spaces for its citizens. Green and well-maintained city parks, such as Taman Bungkul or Taman Harmoni, have become favorite places for people to exercise, relax, or simply gather with family and friends. This shows a shift in habits from indoor activities to increasingly utilizing public facilities for recreation and social interaction.
Modern shopping centers and malls are also an inseparable part of Surabaya’s urban lifestyle. Besides being places for shopping, malls often serve as entertainment and meeting hubs, especially for young people. However, behind this modernity, traditional markets like Pasar Atom or Pasar Genteng remain vibrant, proving how much Surabaya’s people still value their cultural roots and time-honored trading habits.
Gotong Royong and Local Communities
Although Surabaya is a large city, the spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and community togetherness is still very much alive, especially in dense residential areas. This tradition is evident in various activities, ranging from communal work to clean up the environment, helping neighbors in need, to religious events and major holiday celebrations organized collectively. This demonstrates that amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, values of kinship and social care are still firmly held.
Visiting Surabaya is not just about seeing monuments and buildings; it’s also about immersing yourself in the habits, spirit, and warmth of its people. Every corner of the city, every dish served, and every interaction will give you a deeper understanding of this “City of Heroes.”
Your Personalized Surabaya Adventure Starts Here!
At Surabaya City Tour – Make Your Own Surabaya!, we invite you to experience this incredible city your way. Whether you’re a history buff, a technology enthusiast, or just looking to soak in the urban atmosphere, Surabaya has something for everyone. And with our expert guides and flexible options, your exploration will be seamless and unforgettable.
Uncover Surabaya’s Rich History
Dive deep into the past and understand why Surabaya earned its heroic title:
- Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan): A must-visit, this iconic monument houses a museum detailing the fierce resistance against colonial occupation. Feel the spirit of the struggle as you learn about the brave people who fought for Indonesia’s freedom.
- Submarine Monument (Monkasel): Step aboard a real Soviet-made submarine that served Indonesia during its early independence. This unique museum offers a fascinating glimpse into naval history.
- Numerous Museums: Explore a variety of other museums that vividly portray Surabaya’s multifaceted past, from its colonial era to its role in the nation’s development.
Witness Surabaya’s Modern Progress
See how Surabaya is embracing the future with impressive technological advancements:
- Suramadu Bridge: Marvel at this engineering masterpiece, an ambitious project that physically connects the islands of Java and Madura. It’s a testament to Indonesia’s forward-thinking vision.
Experience Urban Surabaya
Discover Surabaya’s lively urban pulse and entertainment scene:
- Vibrant Entertainment Venues: Explore the many leisure and entertainment spots that reflect Surabaya’s dynamic city life, where residents find their balance between progress and enjoyment.
Why Choose Our Surabaya City Tour?
We’re dedicated to making your Surabaya experience exceptional. If you arrive without a detailed itinerary, don’t worry! We have a curated list of interesting places to ensure you make the most of your visit. Enjoy Surabaya just like your own!
Facilities Included:
- Convenient Pick-up & Drop-off: We offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel, the airport, train station, or bus terminal within Surabaya city.
- Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks during your tour.
- Professional Tour Guide: Benefit from the knowledge and insights of our competent local guides.
- Comfortable Transportation: Travel in comfort with our dedicated transportation throughout the tour.
Facilities Excluded:
- Airport tax
- Admission fees for tourist destinations
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenditures outside the provided facilities
Important Provisions:
- Our standard city tour package is for 6 hours.
- The maximum quota for the Surabaya City Tour Package is 5 participants. The package price remains the same regardless of fewer participants.
- The price includes pick-up and drop-off services within Surabaya city as mentioned above.
- Pick-up from outside Surabaya will incur an additional cost.
- A 1-hour tolerance for delays is provided after the 6-hour tour concludes.
- Overtime will be charged at IDR 100,000 per hour.
- Bookings must be made at least 2 days prior to your desired departure date with a 50% deposit of the total price.
- Tour cancellations by participants will result in the forfeiture of the deposit.
Ready to customize your Surabaya adventure and immerse yourself in the “City of Heroes”? Contact us today to book your unforgettable Surabaya City Tour!


3 Comments on “Surabaya City Tour – Make your own Surabaya!”
Elisa
4 Apr 2014Looking for surabaya city tour for 2 person!
Karin
3 Aug 2013We are 2 people interested in a tour to discover Sirabaya. We prefer tuesday or wednesday 6 or 7 of august. Can you let us know if this is possible?
Thanks, karin
Yes offcourse we can facilitate for you..
But we have to inform you that on day you come to Surabaya is near by of Ied Feast, a holy day for moslem to celebrate and maybe many tour spot at Surabaya will be closed, but you can still hangeout around Surabaya to enjoy the moment or it’s culinary.
Please contact this number upon you arrival at Surabaya +628175043413 to discuss about the prices at the tour program.